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Suspect arrested after bank robbery in Wingate, sheriff’s office says

Wingate bank robbery suspect

WINGATE, N.C. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office says a suspect accused of robbing a bank near Wingate University on Wednesday has been arrested.

Wingate University went into lockdown as a precaution while police were looking for the bank robber Wednesday, the school confirmed to Channel 9. The university said police asked the school to go on lockdown after the robbery was reported. That lockdown was lifted shortly after 2 p.m.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office shared surveillance pictures of the suspect on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the sheriff’s office announced that 54-year-old Billy Joe Long had been arrested for felony common law robbery.

American Bank confirmed to Channel 9 that the Wingate branch would be closed for the rest of Wednesday but would reopen on Thursday.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Trio in custody following ‘takeover-style’ bank robbery in South End, sources say)

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